Cricket

Fakhar capitalised on a lucky escape to strike a superb 114 and lift Pakistan to a commanding total of 4-338 and fast bowler Amir ripped out India's top three batsmen before the defending champions subsided to 158 all out.

Pakistan had come into the tournament as the lowest-ranked team and lost heavily to India in their opening group match but they beat South Africa and Sri Lanka to make the semi-finals where they knocked out hosts England.

The result saw the Tigers claim their first triumph over the Black Caps outside of Bangladesh and also served as a dose of revenge for last week's four-wicket loss against the same side. 

Fittingly, Mahmudullah (46) struck the winning runs in a contest that saw him surpass 3,000 runs in one-day internationals, as Bangladesh enjoyed a pre-ICC Champions Trophy morale boost.

After the early loss of Luke Ronchi (2), New Zealand upped the run rate as captain Tom Latham (84) and Neil Broom (63) compiled a 133-run partnership.

In yesterday’s match between Samoa and Japan, the trend of bowling first continued as Samoa sent Japan in.

Japan never looked like setting a competitive total with a run rate of under two runs an over for most of the match.

Some late hitting from Rio Endo (9 not out) brought some spark to the last quarter of the innings but it was too late and Japan could only manage 49 runs from their 20 overs.

Nomination of candidates slow in capital

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Nominations are slowly coming in for intending candidates who will be contesting the Moresby North West seat, which is currently occupied by Michael Malabag.

Police operations on full alert

The Barramundis found themselves in trouble early on the innings when Qadeer Ahmed took the wickets of openers Tony Ura (11) and Vani Vagi Morea (11).

Wickets continued to fall in close succession and the Barramundis found themselves in dire straits at 7/110.

Wicket-keeper Jack Vare (38) and Chad Soper (38) top scored for the side who were all bowled out after 85.3 overs.

Ahmed (3/43) and Ahmed Raza (3/38) both shared the spoils with three wickets a piece.

The Barramundis will play three warm-up matches against English County teams before taking on hosts, United Arab Emirates in three One Day Internationals, an ICC Inter-Continental Cup (ICUP) match and three Twenty20 Internationals.

The first two out of the three One Day Internationals will be ICC World Cricket League Championship matches.

HEBOU PNG Barramundis Tour Fixture:

Tuesday 21^st March, 2017-                                                HEBOU PNG Barramundis vs Middlesex (50 Overs)

Before leaving, Head Coach, Dipak Patel spoke on preparations leading into the tour that will run from March 21-April 14.

“The squad has been busy with their S&C (Strength and Conditioning) and skills training sessions five days a week.

“Their fitness is at a high level; however the wet weather interfered a lot on our skills preparation,” Patel said.

He added the squad has some changes with the return of fast bowler, Norman Vanua and wicket keeper, Jack Vare.

The 29 year old featured in all four round robin games for the Galaxy Gladiators Lantau, playing alongside the likes of Kumar Sangakkara and Jesse Ryder, in a team mentored by West Indian great Brian Lara.

The captain of the Hebou PNG Barramundis has played three matches in the tournament rubbing shoulders with players from all over the world including Misbah-ul-Haq, Kumar Sangakkara, Tillakaratne Dilshan, Johan Botha and Dwayne Smith.

In his first match against the Hung Hom JD Jaguars, Vala took 1/15 with the ball and was run out for a duck at his turn at bat.

Against City Kaitak, Vala made nine runs and took a wicket plus a catch in his side’s six wicket loss.

Asylum seeker on rape charge

An asylum seeker in Manus is expected to appear at the Lorengau District Court today (Monday) on allegations he raped a Grade 9 student last week.

http://www.looppng.com/png-news/asylum-seeker-rape-charge-50678

Police internal affairs need to be vigilant: Turi

Discipline of police officers needs to be swiftly carried out to serve as an example to others.